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teaching BRIDGES in Gymnastics

Many children can do a back bend before they get to your first Gymnastics class.

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Some cannot. Some are not strong & flexible enough. Some are still nervous about falling on their backs.

Never force a group of kids to do Bridges.It can be a BIG disincentive for participation.

Instead challenge children to do Bridge activities. Start with activities lying over soft equipment in a Bridge position. Encourage them to work towards Bridges balancing on head, hands and feet (Wrestler’s Bridge).

The final goal is an elevated Bridge. Hands on the floor, feet up on something higher.

Never spot beginners into the Bridge position. Let them discover how to get into position on their own.

Certainly some children will never be able to achieve a proper Bridge. That’s OK.